Belgian import seized - anyone help?

Hi all,

For anyone who might know, a good friend of mine living in Belgium has just had a (approx 100 Euros) order seized by customs. They are stating that they want tax paid, but he's worried about his liability, criminal or otherwise, for the liquid component of his order.

They are currently stating that they haven't opened it, so he's obviously worried about what happens if they do. Does anyone have any insight?

I don't think eliquid is illegal in Belgium so there shouldn't be any legal issues. They're only asking for import duties and VAT, which are always due on orders from outside the EU that are above a specified sum.

Did a quick search & it seems €150 .00 is the threshold;,but if they open it & they deem it a tobacco product

the FOB value, i.e. the value of the goods excluding shipping and insurance cost, does not exceed €150

(my bold)

VAT is not charged if:

the FOB value, i.e. the value of the goods excluding shipping and insurance cost, does not exceed €22

Excise duty is payable on for example tobacco and alcohol.
Additional customs fees can be charged to cover the expense of performing any required examinations, verification and or testing of the imported goods.

I don't think eliquid is illegal in Belgium so there shouldn't be any legal issues. They're only asking for import duties and VAT, which are always due on orders from outside the EU that are above a specified sum.

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I didn't think so either but found this. Not good news I'm afraid

"Sale (and private import) of e-cigarettes that do not contain nicotine is allowed, but importing any e-liquid with nicotine is considered a criminal offense punishable with huge fines and even imprisonment. The vapers from Belgium are outlawed, and have the choice to keep on smoking tobacco or break the law and drive to France, the Netherlands or Germany to purchase their nicotine e-liquids."